Backup QB could see field regardless of situation

Joe Cox is no longer competing for the starting quarterback job but Georgia coach Mark Richt still envisions a role for Cox in the gameplan along with Matthew Stafford.

"If he plays, it's because we believe he's earned it, and right now we're leaning towards getting him in the game," Richt said Wednesday.

D.J. Shockley often came in for a series or two when he served as David Greene's backup for three seasons. Richt would like to get Cox in games, perhaps even in the first half.

"I don't want to pigeonhole ourselves," Richt said. "Sometimes you'll have every intention of getting a guy in there and if you don't, people will question why you didn't and you'll hurt the kids' feelings. We're not promising anything but the way he's been performing, he deserves to get in there and hopefully we'll find the right time to do that."

Cox, a redshirt sophomore, was part of the quarterback battle last preseason and came off the bench to throw the game-winning touchdown against Colorado. He started a week later against Ole Miss, but did not play in the final eight games.

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo told Cox this spring his goal should be to play well enough to warrant playing time.

"He said if I continue to progress and have a good camp that I'm not going to be just sitting around twiddling my thumbs," Cox said. "I'm not expecting a certain amount. I'm not going to get mad if I don't get a certain amount. I just want to be ready for whatever situation they put me in."

Cox completed 17 of 28 passes for 225 yards with two touchdowns and one interception last season.

"He's had a great camp," Stafford said. "I'm happy for him. ... Whatever they want to do. I'm not going to have a say in it."

Butler moves ahead in punting race

Freshman Drew Butler has the inside track on the punting job after the second special teams scrimmage on Wednesday morning, but the competition isn't settled yet.

Richt said Butler has a "slight edge" over junior Brian Mimbs.

Mimbs has more longer punts but also more shanks, Richt said.

"Consistency is probably the issue right at this moment," Richt said.

Butler has the mindset that neither player is in the lead right now.

"We're just going to keep grinding it out and find out a week before the football game," Butler said. "I can do better, but am I pleased with how my first camp went? Definitely."

Transfer latest move on defensive line

Assistant coach Jon Fabris' defensive ends ranks are getting smaller.

Junior college transfer Jarius Wynn is now working with the defensive tackles.

Already this preseason Justin Houston moved to linebacker and Kiante Tripp to offensive tackle from end.

"I've only got six guys now," Fabris said. "It's easier for me to count them. I know when they're all there."

Richt said Wynn gives Georgia a pure pass rusher at defensive tackle in the nickel package.

Georgia looking at line combinations

Chester Adams returned from an ankle injury and practiced for the first time in nearly a week. He lined up at first-team right offensive tackle, but Georgia is still mixing and matching up front to find the right combination.

"We're still experimenting with the line," Richt said. "We're not sure where everybody is going to fit. We have a few different combinations that hopefully we can settle on here pretty soon because we need to get those five guys working tackle."

Freshman Clint Boling lined up at second-team right guard behind Scott Haverkamp, but still could play tackle, Richt said. Adams could still move to guard, which could shift Haverkamp from right guard to left guard and would push Chris Davis to a backup role.

This and that

Redshirt sophomore Michael Moore is battling for a starting position at flanker, where Mikey Henderson has been sidelined with a hip injury. ... Kicker Brandon Coutu's mohawk no longer is the funkiest haircut. The freshmen got their annual unsightly haircuts courtesy of upperclassmen on the final day of two-a-days. Chris Little and Caleb King were among those sporting the patchwork dos. Butler wore a baseball cap over his newly shaved head after practice. "I'm going to wear a cap in class so nobody sees how foolish I look." .... Offensive guard Josh Davis (shoulder) dressed out and got some practice work. Among those in non-contact jerseys: linebacker Marcus Washington (groin), cornerback Thomas Flowers (shoulder), Bryan Evans (hamstring). Safety Reshad Jones (bruised knee) and Antavious Coates (knee swelling) did not practice.